Weekend Update

I hope you had a nice weekend. I hope it was peaceful. Relaxing. Heartwarming. Productive.

If it was, you had a weekend similar to the one I had. What did I do?

Well, I took most of Saturday off from the book. One of my college sorority sisters arrived early that morning. The day was beautiful, all blue sky and warm breezes, so we took a nice ride. Just talking, catching up, laughing. We went for lunch. Lingered. Talked some more. We ran errands. Bought flowers. Visited someone special. We had a lovely day. We walked the farm when we got home, stopping in the vineyard, orchards and by the pond. We admired flowers in the meadow, picked apples and just enjoyed the day. She'd brought home-baked cookies (I felt so special!) so before she headed home we had coffee and cookies for dinner. Yes, you can do that--have cookies for dinner. It's okay!

Later on, I worked on the book for a bit.

Yesterday? I canned tomatoes. Did laundry and other household chores. I dealt with an entire sinkful of peppers.

Mostly, I worked on the book. It's coming along nicely. I'm not making it easy for this couple to find their happily ever after. They've got lots of wacky stuff to deal with before they find their truth, that they need to be together more than they need anything--or anyone--else. I sent the first chapter to a new set of eyes. Major trepidation there. But her reaction? "Get moving and finish the book!" So, all good book-wise.

Today, more writing. I've got a deadline for this one, a timeline in my head, due mainly to circumstances that will be soon upon me. Just some stuff I'll need to deal with, obligations that can't be changed. It's not all bad because it's pushing me right along.

What about you? How was your weekend?

I wish you a peaceful day!

A Genteel Giveaway!

I've been interviewed over at Pure Southern Genteel. The interview is fun and fast, and I hope you'll take a peek.

Leave a comment at Miss Mae's blog to be entered in an impromptu giveaway. Leave a comment here, and get a second entry. Tell someone else about the interview, and have them leave a comment mentioning your name at either spot and I'll enter you yet again! How's that for fun?

The prize is a secret, but I assure you it'll be something interesting. Oh! The contest runs until the end of the month.

Hope you have a wonderful Tuesday!

Recharge

Yesterday we left the farm behind and headed for the city. Hard to believe, isn't it? But really, we did. We got away from the trees and meadow, the tilling and planting.

Our car had an appointment for its 30,000-mile checkup so we dropped it off, jumped into a brand new, metallic red loaner sports car and did what any couple would do. We headed for the mall.

First, I've got to say the little red car was a blast to drive. And yes, I realize they put us in that particular car because they hoped we'd buy one. The idea of a car payment, even with its all-time low interest rate, just doesn't appeal so we had fun for the day but were perfectly content to claim our own vehicle when the time came.

We stopped at a diner and had more breakfast than two people should ever have! Lingering over tea, we chatted like newlyweds, finding topics that don't come to the surface often here on the farm.

Then, the mall. On a Tuesday it's possible to skate through the deserted space. We practically owned the place, and took our time strolling through almost every store. Barnes and Noble held me captive for a good hour. And no, I didn't leave empty-handed, but you suspected that, didn't you? Macy's cosmetics counter also claimed my attention, as well as my money. We browsed in LL Bean and contemplated taking up fly fishing. And I dashed in for a quick trim at the hairdresser's. I feel decidedly less shaggy now--thanks, Jina!

After lunch, then more wandering, we stopped for ice cream sundaes before returning to the dealership. They were just washing our car, so our timing was perfect! We left the city before rush hour traffic hit, and after a quick grocery stop we were back on the farm in time for dinner.

Dinner? Oh, we ate on the back deck, barefoot and still damp from showers. We listened to birdsong, propped our feet on the deck railing. We leaned back, surveyed the trees and gardens, the meadow and hills and were grateful to be home. The city is a nice place to visit, but we belong on our little farm.

Pardon? Oh, what did we have for dinner? Strawberry shortcake, of course! What better way to end a fabulous day than with a little indulgence?

So, how did your Tuesday go? And when you need to recharge, is there anyplace in particular that calls you? And is a day sufficient for you, or does it take longer for you to unwind?

For no particular reason other than I'm happy, I'm going to randomly choose one name from today's commenters to receive a copy of For the Love of Grace, one of my early Wild Rose Press releases.

Happy Wednesday!